pyre

Definition

A funeral pile; a combustible heap on which corpses are burned.

Etymology

Learned borrowing from Latin pyra (“pyre, funeral pile”), from Ancient Greek πυρά (purá), from πῦρ (pûr, “fire”). Doublet of fire.

Example Sentences

• "The villagers built a funeral pyre to honor their dead."
• "The effigy was set ablaze on the pyre."
• "For nine long nights, through all the dusky air, The pyres thick flaming shot a dismal glare."

Related Words